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Boston Globe

Hats off to Moonbox's stirring ‘Crowns'

Kaedon Gray and Janelle Grace in "Crowns." Chelcy Garrett The narrative is slender — and, truth be told, sometimes disappears altogether. But the story being told is rich and deep, extending back to Africa, to the Middle Passage, to 2½ centuries of slavery in America, and to the vital, sustaining role of song through it all. Advertisement Mother Shaw (Mildred E. Walker), one of the congregants at the church where 'Crowns' takes place, traces the historical roots of flamboyant hats, saying: 'Church was the only place slaves were allowed to congregate. And after slavery there were 'Whites Only' signs everywhere. So if you had something you wanted to show off and be in style, you'd wear it to church.' Advertisement Mildred E. Walker and Mirrorajah in "Crowns." Chelcy Garrett At the center of 'Crowns' is a young woman named Yolanda, played by Mirrorajah. Originally from Brooklyn, Yolanda has been sent down South to live with her grandmother after her brother was killed. Yolanda's hat of choice is a ballcap, worn backward or to the side. At first, she rolls her eyes and sneers 'Head rags' as the assembled church congregants speak about the transformative power of hats and of gospel song — and then proceed to demonstrate that power. They speak, too, of how gospel song can be an accessory to flirtation, or a prod to remembrance, or glue for a family. Making that case, along with Mother Shaw, are Mabel (Cortlandt Barrett), Jeanette (Janelle Grace), Velma (Lovely Hoffman), Wanda (Cheryl D. Singleton), and a character identified only as Man (Kaedon Gray). Costume designer E Rosser should also be considered one of the stars of this 'Crowns,' having attired the seven-member cast in a spectacular array of broad-brimmed hats and outfits that are bursting with color. Key contributions come also from conductor David Freeman Coleman, on the keyboard, and Brandon Mayes, on drums. 'Crowns' features two dozen musical numbers, most of them traditional gospel songs, but extending to jazz, blues, and hip-hop, including 'In the Morning,' 'When the Saints Go Marching In,' 'Mary, Don't You Weep,' 'Marching to Zion,' 'Take Me to the Water,' 'I'm Gonna Roll On,' 'Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around,' and, of course, 'I Got a Crown.' 'Crowns' is the sixth Advertisement Within that space, a line from 'His Eye Is on the Sparrow' is particularly resonant: 'I sing because I'm happy/ I sing because I'm free.' CROWNS Play by Regina Taylor. Adapted from the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry. Directed by Regine Vital. Music directed by David Coleman. Associate directed by Davron Monroe. Presented by Moonbox Productions. At Arrow Street Arts, Cambridge. Through May 4. Tickets $55. At Don Aucoin can be reached at